First Dates star Merlin Griffiths reveals he’s showing no evidence of cancer

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has revealed he’s showing no evidence of cancer after his one year check-up.

The much loved bartender announced the positive update on his Instagram page where he said there was no sign of any cancer in his body during his one year examination.

The TV bartender won over the hearts of millions who tuned in to watch the Channel 4 reality dating show, First Dates.

He chatted to and reassured nervous singles getting ready to meet their perfect pairing on the popular show, while simultaneously whipping up their favourite drinks behind the bar.

In a caption next to his picture post he wrote: “Scroll across… 1 year colonoscopy check up for #bowelcancer. Prep was soo difficult this time. Soiled the bed several times overnight, resorted to adult nappies, got about 2 hours kip.

“Felt like hell. First one with my newly connected arse too (sans rectum), so I was a little nervous. But along with my last blood tests (clear), at one year examination, we’re clear!

“Phew. Next one at 3 years (2025). Last one at 5 years (2027) #bowelcancerawarenessmonth. Love to all you fellow bowel cancer peeps, keep on keeping on!”

The 47-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and has since been receiving treatment as well as raising awareness around the disease and sharing the stages of his journey with followers.

He was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer after a 4.5cm tumour was found inside his bowel. The TV personality underwent surgery in April of last year and faced a setback in September, but shared a positive update in January that he was in the final stages of his cancer treatment.

One commenter said: “I had my 1 year colonoscopy and bloods a couple of weeks ago, I was all clear too. So relieved, glad you got good news too.” Another wrote: “You’re a legend Merlin never forget that.” A third put: “Great news – your honesty and frankness is a credit to you.”

A fourth said: “You are a very brave and inspirational man…. You have been through hell but have found the courage to share your story and help fellow sufferers, amazing! Keep on doing what you’re doing! 

And, a fifth typed: “Thank you for your honesty about the process. It’s not pleasant but talking about it is so important. So pleased that you received good news.”

In the wake of the good news, Griffiths is set to undergo his next check-up in three years’ time. If there continues to be no evidence of cancer, his final check-up will take place in 2027.

Opening up about his health journey Griffiths previously stressed the importance of distinguishing between ‘living with cancer’ and being ‘cancer free’.

“That’s an important distinction to make,” he said.  “Just because you have an operation to remove the tumour doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you are cancer free.” He also spoke of how we now say NED; no evidence of disease.

He said: “They used to call it remission, now they call it NED, which means no evidence of disease. So NED happens after five years for bowel cancer. Now it’s a five-year ongoing process before they are willing to say alright, yeah, you’re about as safe as you can be.”